Sandoval and Reid exchange jabs in second Nevada governor debate

Oct. 7, 2010

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Nevada’s gubernatorial candidates took jabs at each other in the second of four debates Thursday, with Democrat Rory Reid criticizing Republican opponent Brian Sandoval for his lack of experience running a complex government and lack of a plan to fix Nevada’s estimated $3 billion budget deficit.

Sandoval, a former federal judge, countered in the Las Vegas-based debate that Reid’s budget plan is so full of fantasy money that it would be “laughed out of the Legislature” because it doesn’t add up. He also warned the statewide audience that Reid, chairman of the Clark County Commission, will raise Nevadans taxes while he will not.

Both candidates have taken strong no-new-taxes stances throughout the campaign, although Reid said Thursday he would consider supporting a state lottery if the profits went to education.

“Tonight, my opponent said no to all of these tax increases, but when he was presented with the question that said, ‘If you were presented with a budget that includes a tax increase, would you sign it,’ he said he would,” Sandoval said of Reid. “So the answers given tonight don’t compare to what he said previously.”

Reid continually criticized Sandoval for a lack of a budget plan, one he had promised long ago in the campaign but has never delivered for the current budget shortfall.

“The problem with this debate is that it is so one-sided because Brian does not have a plan,” Reid said. “I can’t criticize it because he simply does not have one. The only thing he has made clear is that he will cut $500 million from education.”

At times the candidates joked with each other. Reid probably got the best jab against Republicans, saying that Sandoval was just another Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons, but in a more expensive suit.

Yet it was clear to one independent observer that there was no clear winner. Those on a Reno Gazette-Journal panel with party affiliations sided with the candidate of their party.

Both candidates showed strong points, said Fred Lokken, a political science professor at Truckee Meadows Community College.

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“Brian Sandoval seemed to be more effective in framing the extent of the budget challenges facing Nevada and did indicate that cuts would be a major part of his budget strategy -- indicating he was being honest with voters,” said Lokken, a former Republican who is now registered as a nonpartisan voter.

“Reid came across as more directed and more specific about most every response,” Lokken said. “He came across as better-informed and better-prepared on the issues. In fact, he was very confident in his understanding of a number of issues and demonstrated a depth of understanding that was not as apparent with Sandoval.”

Chip Evens, chairman of the Washoe County Democrats, differed with Lokken on Sandoval’s honesty.

“Sandoval saying ‘let’s be honest’ is not the same as actually being honest,” Evans said.

Heidi Smith, the former chairman of the Washoe County Republicans and current GOP national delegate, said Reid’s mannerisms were as annoying as fingernails scratching a chalkboard.

“Reid appeared very nervous and seemed to lose his train of thought now and then,” Smith said. “He constantly punctuated every thought by pumping his left hand up and down while moving his body back and forth like a cuckoo clock. His body language drove me nuts. Sandoval appeared more relaxed; his voice and delivery were very smooth. Sandoval clearly appeared very gubernatorial.”

A Hispanic Democrat was disappointed with Sandoval for his stance he took on Arizona immigration law. Sandoval is trying to become the first Hispanic governor in Nevada.

Sandoval said he supported Arizona’s immigration law “because it was a valid response to a public safety issue.”

Sandoval said he has spoken with sheriffs across Nevada and “it is their opinion that we don’t need an Arizona -style law in the state of Nevada.”

He said he would consider an Arizona-style law for Nevada if necessary.

“I do believe that it is very, very important to keep an eye on what is going on in the state of Nevada and if it is necessary to adopt similar laws, then that is something that should be considered.”

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That was not what Democrat Theresa Navarro wanted to hear.

“The Arizona law that Brian Sandoval agrees with is a disgrace to our Constitution,” said Navarro, also the vice-chair of the Latino Coalition. “Rory Reid saying that he is supporting comprehensive immigration reform to fix our immigration problem instead of the Arizona law was very important and enlightening. At least he was proposing a solution.”

Sandoval’s immigration response might prove costly, Evans said.

“Sandoval probably ended any chance of getting the Hispanic vote with his support of the Arizona law,” Evans said.

Republicans countered that Sandoval had a better grasp of the economy. Sandoval stressed that the current down economy is the worst time to raise taxes.

“He (Sandoval) recognized the urgency to get the economy back on track and the necessity to remove the present uncertainly created by the present political climate, but was not depending on wildly optimistic income projections that were promised based on unrealistic revenue claims,” said Su Kemper of Reno. “It was obvious that Reid was taking cues from his father Harry, while Sandoval represented a more conservative point of view.”

Reid scored points talking about his experience in running and balancing the budget of Clark County, by far Nevada’s biggest county, Lokken said.

“Reid scored in being able to address the direct experience he has gained as a Clark County commissioner,” Lokken said. “He has already been dealing with greater efficiencies, budget cuts and seeking out new revenue sources. Sandoval could mention experience in the legislature (as one of 42 legislators) and a savings as attorney general, but has been removed from the current challenges while serving on the U.S. District Court.”